John Briggs’ best bowling performance in England came against Australia at Lord’s in 1886 when he took an eleven-wicket haul to secure three spots on the Honours Boards.
Defending a total of 353, England’s captain, A G Steel, put Briggs on as first change of bowler and he took five wickets as the Australians collapsed from 45-1 to 121 all out.
Then as Australia followed on, he took six wickets for 45 as Australia were dismissed for 126, England winning the match by an innings and 106 runs.
Briggs’ performance came as a surprise to many as despite playing in the previous Test at Old Trafford two weeks previous he was not asked to bowl throughout the match.